Camera



R. A; CLAPP CAMERA Filed Dec. 1, 1927 v s Sheets-Sheet 3 ml 76 wji III as a

Patented Aug. 18, 1931 LGAMEEA Application filed .necembem, ,1927. sem no. 2a 7,o2 s.

, The present invention relates to cameras,

and; more particularly to cameras ffor the taking of pictures in continuous sequence,

. I such asjmoving,pictures.

I ,An. important object of the presentjinventionis to, produce a moving picture camera which will be economical to manufacture, simple to operate and manipulate," and which will be sturdyand durable.

Another object is'the1provisionofnovel means to positively feed thefilm'through the camera in an intermittent or stepf-by-step movement in sync'hron'ism with the operation ofthe shutter.

'A'fnrther object is the provision of means 'to indicate, eiternally of {the machine, the

number effectof, film remaining onfthe, reel from vwhichQthe unenp'ose'd'filmtis being unwound.

Another object is the provisi'on (ifrnovl meanstorr'et'ain the'fi'lm; in contact with the sprockets or jfeeding: devices, insuring, positive movement of thefilm 'jduringthe oper-e v.ation of the camera. This flast named means comprises apair ofroller's prfen' ably. of, rubber or, similar material, each provided witha pair of bifurcations to: accommodate the teeth of the sprockets. These rollers are mounted inframes whichfl-in turn are under sprin'gpressure or tension, thus insuring constant pressure (if the rollers against the film, and of, the film against the sprockets. V

Affurther object ofthe'invention is the provision of means on one side of the camera casing, which side "is adapted to open to permit removal and replacementof the film reels ,and "for: other purposes, to cooperate with means onrthe interior of the casirlgto,

retain [the "unwinding film at all times in correct alinement, and to prevent tilting or wabbling thereof. 7

fThese and'further objects time invention, details of construction, combinations.

of parts and advantages, will be hereinafter more fully, pointed out and claimed. f Referring to. the drawings, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the ,present invention or r "1 is a side elevation of my novel tcamera, With one side thereofin open ost Ion;

Fig. 2'is a cross-sectional View, onan en-' large'd scale, onthe'line 22 of Fig-3,

"Fig.3 is a cross-sectional view on theline ofFigil, V i Fig.4is a cross-sectional view on theline 44 ofFigQ2; "'Figx5is a cross-sectional View on the' line 5"5 oftFig. 3; Fig; 6 is .a cross-sectional view on theline 66ofF ig. 2;

Fig. '7'is a perspective View of one of'the membersfor holding'thefilm' in contact with the feeding means; a

"Fig; 8is' afragmenta'ry' detail, on anen laxiged scale, ofa'modification; i

1g."9is "a perspective view,0n an fen-'1 larged scale, :of thestep by-step film feeding memberyand" F 1g. 101s a persp ct-lve vlew onan'jenf larfied scale, of: a modification; I eferring now to ..the drawings, "forfflaj detailed description of'my'inovel camera and r the method of operating the same, 1 designatesa casin having a side 2 hingedifat 3and adapte' to bes'wung open'to -permit access to the interior of the machine. "Within the casing 1 is positioned a plate "4' through which extends .a stud'5, preferably round, and'terminatingfin a reduced end6. A film holding reel 7 is mountedfor rotation on the reduced end'6 of'the stud5 and is maintained in alinement by the plate 4,"andby a strap or brace 8 secured'to the side 2'by screws *9, said strap having an aperture or recess-1O therein to accommodate the end 6- of the stud- 5. Onthe'reel 7, and adapted to be unwound therefrom,- is a film 11. This film is subjected' to =a seriesof intermittent; exposures, after which fit is developed and :is :then ready for projection from -;a suitable projecting machine, ,preferably: of the. type illustrated and described in my fcopending --.application Ser. 1N0; 239,175,-filed Dec. 10, 1927.

Mounted within the casing zl is vaplate or castinglQ, secured to the casing by screws 13 and: spaced from the side of thecasing by lugs 14. One end of the plate 4 rests on this casting 12, the other end of the plate 4 being spaced an equal distance from the side of the casing by a flange 15. Afiixed to the casting 12 by screws 16 is a member or plate 17 having a photographic aperture 18 therein. On the casting 12 is a boss 19, either formed as an integral part of the casting, 01' secured thereto by a screw 20, as shown, and afiixed to said boss by a screw 22 is a spring 21 having a flat portion 23 adapted to bear against the inner or rear surface of the member or plate 18, particularly in back of the aperture 18. A shaft 24 extends through the casing 12 and to the outside of the casing 1, and on the outer end thereof is affixed an operating handle 25. On the inner end of the shaft 24 is mounted for rotation therewith a sprocket 26 having a plurality of minute teeth 27 adapted to mesh with the holes 28 along each edge of the film 11. The film 11, when being fed through the machine preliminary to being exposed, is led from the reel 7 under the pin 29 and over the sprocket 26, the teeth 27 meshing with the holes or perforations 28. The film is then fed through a gate, comprised of the plate 17 and fiat portion 23 of the spring 21, in such manner and position that a predetermined portion of said film is exposed to the aperture 18, a free loop '30 being left to permit proper feeding movement of the film 11 past said aperture. The film then passes under the lower end of the spring 21, a free loop 31 being provided at this portion, and is then led up to the sprocket 26, the teeth 27 again engaging the perforations28. Thence the film is led over the pin 32 and to the hub 33 of a reel 34, mounted on a square stud 35 on the outer end of which is provided a member 36 to hold said reel in position thereon. the film firmly against the sprocket 26, both top and bottom, to permit and insure positive feeding thereof, I provide a pair of bifurcated rollers 37, mounted on pins 38 in frames 39 provided with apertures 40. These frames are pivotally mounted, by

means of the apertures 40, on the pins 29 and 32. On the outer end of each pin 29 is a coiled spring 41 having an arm 42 adapted to bear against each frame 39 to' In order to hold ready to be operated to take any desired picture or series of pictures.

While I have illustrated the reels 7 and 34 as open reels, viz., with apertures in the side thereof, it will be appreciated that when the camera is to be utilized on the job, closed reels, or reels having solid sides to prevent the entrance of light would be utilized, the reels illustrated herein being practical for use when there is a dark room for removing and replacing film in the camera.

The front end of the casting 12 is upturned, as shown at 44 and to this upturned portion is afiixed a lens barrel 45 in any desirable manner, this lens barrel projecting beyond the front of the casing 1 as shown at 46. The upturned end 44 of the casting 12 is provided with a flange 47 and mounted for rotation in the casting 12 and fian e 47 is a shaft 48. On one end of the shaft 48, and preferably below the casting 12, is a pinion 49 engaged by a gear 50 affixed to the shaft 24 and adapted to be rotated on rotation of the handle 25. Aflixed to the end of the shaft 48 opposite the pinion 49, is an eccentric 51 having a lug 52 to space the eccentric from the flange 47.

It will be understood, of course, that the film 11 must be fed past the aperture 18 in an intermittent, or step-by-step movement, since the film is divided into predetermined spaces, on each of which spaces is to be received the picture or impression to which each space is exposed. In order to provide for an efiicient and positive step-by-step movement, I have devised the novel means illustrated herein, which consists in a feeding member comprising a body portion 53 from which extends an arm 54 havin an aperture '55 adjacent to the outer end tliereof, and by means of which aperture the arm 54 is united with the eccentric 51, a screw 56 effecting the union.

The end of the feeding member opposite the arm 54 is formed U-shaped, as illustrated at 57, and in the body portion 53 and portion 58 are formed a pair of elongated slots 59. Through these slots 59 extends a bolt 60, which also extends through an aperture in the lower end of the member 17, the nut 61 being provided to adjust the relation of the portion 58 with the body portion 53, for proper tension. The feed member being constructed of spring metal, it will provide its own tension. This construction maintains the lower end of the feeding member in a fixed sliding relation with the member 17 so that the lower end of the feeding member will also be in a fixed position. Projecting from the body portion 53 is aplate 62 provided with a pair of claws or prongs 63. As the eccentric 51 rotates, therefore, the prongs 63 will be moved into and along and out of the slots 64. As the prongs 63 move intorthe: slotsfififltheywwill *engageqthe opertures 28 in -the redges ofatherfilmyaat theitop of: the slotsafi l, and; ona 'continued rotation of theeceentrieththe: prongs 63 =Wlll? be forced downwardly,:nioving the film ll: laiipredetermined distanee,wiz one of: thewabove mentionekl spaees.

In Figs. 8 and tome illustrated modifications ofsthewmeans; to hold the loweraeml' of the feeding member-imposition. In Figs- 8 the; lower endof: the:- body portion 534is not formed i U-shaped, :but is ;merely 2 provided serving to exert itension against the {lower end at the body? 53 tothold samenagainstithe lowerre-nd 6f: the member 17.

kln Fig. 11) thelower end of; the body has formed! thereon-e plate 69 which hasra-n elongated slot 70 i to 1 permit sliding of z the plate -69, and whence the feeding member,

guided'by the screwiorsstudfil. This last v aperture 1.18, is :also; synchronized the described L construction I is desirable, since -,.it eliminates any "fjunipin-g: or- "unevenness :of operation i whioh might be 'eaiusedxbyskutilization\ of! the 1 spring mechanism.

sure of one section otthe film hastakenqplace, I means must be provided to prevent the: en-

trancea of light i to the E film .while [that g portion of, the filmiwhiohihas been exposedzis being movedi from position behind, the photographic aperture land: a new iunexposedz-rportion is being positioned. :Irrthe present: ma chine AI provide meens for aecomplishing this result as follows:

A boss 1 7 Z-efliXed: toi thewmember :17 :188:13. stud 7 3 projecting therefrom, sand on, this stand is; rotatahly mounted a: shutter 1741 pro: 1"

vided with a eutsaway portion, msz clearly illustrated in @Eig l. tAflixedl to; the -.-'shutter l iseatbeveledpg pinion Z5 edaptedzjtorrotate theshutter' 74- When1rotati'onuis imparted to the pinion 75 by a similar beveledrpinion 7 6 on theshaft-A8. Since the eccentric/61, controlling the actuation of theifeeding prongs I 63, :is rotated by the saimeshaft :48, itawill :be understood that theshutter 2'14 will notate.

in unison: with t-he -eeeentric r51. The rotation'v oh the shutter; 74 past the photographic movement 'of mid feedingprongs' i63,= l n suoh manner? th at the .=open portion of the shutter will perniit the entrance of lightthrough Z the lens tothe film while the prongs*63 are disengaged from, sztidffil-m. As soon as the prongs 63-eng2rge*the film, however, the shutter 74 will shut off the light through the V aperture 18, permittingthe exposed portion of the film to be moved out of alinement with the aperture, and a new unexposed portion moved into alinement with said aperture, Thereupon, the open portion of the shutter will again be alined with the aper- It Willi be understood: thatu-aftervan expo.

tune?18;permitting:exposure ofa the: next s ne oeedi'ng, portionrof the film.

- :Thusi itiwvill be appreciated; thatithe: feeding of therfilm "from the reel .47 overithe sproeket: 26 is::msteadymovement,- while, the feeding of t the film :through the ,gate :mmid

past the photographic: aperture :18; is min-1 termittent or: ,step -rbysstep rnovement. .zTlims theloop :30r0'frfreenfilmyaboverthe :gate; per:

mits this merigation 5 in -movements wwithout ielxertingia strain or undue rtension H :the

1 m. Y i ,JI'n orden'to efiectuallyiankli positivelyiwvimd the exposedifilmwn therreel ,34, Lpnovide,

on 'the a shaft 24, rat-grooved adisc 177 naiflixed to -:the gear? by rPlIIS {'78 or: the a like. 3T0

the stud 35 is affixed/ndargengrooveddisc 7-9,;zand rnu-nningi in. the; gmovesiof: the discs 77-:and77 9oissa-spring;belt:80. Thus, rotationao'f theQsha'ft: 24 will cause (rotationof t the; disci77,1a;nd,% throughithe: medium at the spring belt::ori.rlrive80 -rotetion of thedisc discr7-9vwill rotate the reel :34 isuifieiently fast to constantly takeup the-exposed film after it has passedithesproeket (26. (However, the spring belt or drive 80 will; permitslippage ontthe dises 77 zwnd79, so that etherexwill neveri be suflieientztension or strain tov eaiuse injuryqtoi the; film inv this; feeding.

:Thus, from the zebove, -it iivill be understooduthat the vfir'st gmovement imparted l to the film .ise-austea dy -'moveni ent; then an intenmittent- -,:or;-stepeby-step "movement: as the film :passes through the ggate andpast {the photographic aperture, wand thenia r-steaidy movement as it a gaintengsges thee sproeket 26,1and anotherssteady movementionithei reel 3.4. All these eooperateito produoe aneextremely -effieientroamera, and 1 one i in which there will bezno' :jnmpingf, excessively fast speeding-,-or similar troubles.

:As the film: passeseover' the: pin- 132-;onvits weyxto: thewvinding reel 84,;1: have cutaway thenlower frame:39, as illustratedwat 81,3Eig.

2,1 OPGlGIKhO prevent sscnatohing of, the; film 11.- i t I have also; provided novel mea-nsetoiinkilicate, externally; ofothe machine, the amount oflfootege: remainingon the ,,unwinding reel 7. 'I-his;'mea ns comprisesna lever 82,, pivotallymountedet 83, andhaving onits outer end, .a roller 84 adapted: toibeareagfiinstthe @Thus, Ethe spring 85' constantly stands "to y rib keep the roller 84 in contact with the film 11 on the reel 7. As the supply of film on said reel diminishes, the lever 82 will necessarily be moved toward the center of the reel, rotating the segment 89 and hence the pinion 91, indicating, through the medium of the indicator 92 on the gauge 93 the amount of footage remaining on the reel 7. Since this film is very carefully and uniformly calibrated, this footage will be indicated within very close approximations. The outer end of the lever 82 is yoked, as shown at 95, and the roller 8% is retained in position and rides on a pin 96.

The operation of my present novel camera is simple and easily understood, being briefly summarized as follows:

The side 2 of the camera is swung open and a reel 7 having unexposed film 11 there on is mounted on the stud 5. The film 11 is then fed under the pin 29 and over the sprocket 26, the upper roller 39 being raised to permit passage of the film thereunder. It is then fed through the gate, comprising the spring 23 and plate 17, behind the aperture 18, a free loop 30 being left above the gate. A free loop 31 is left below the gate and the film 11 is then fed over the lower roller 37 and under the sprocket 26, thence over the pin 32 and to the winding reel 34. The side 2 is then closed, and the camera is ready to operate. Manipulation of the handle 25 will then rotate the shaft 24:, causing rotation of the sprocket 26 and a constant feed of the film 11 toward the gate. Rotation of the shaft 24: will also rotate the gear 50, and pinion 49, rotating the shaft 48 and eccentric 51. This rotation of the eccentric 51 will cause actuation of the film feeding member 53, intermittently bringing the prongs into engagement with the perforations 28 in the edges of the film 11 and moving said film through the gate and past the aperture 18 in an intermittent or stepby-step movement, the sprocket 26 then feeding the film in a steady or constant movement toward the rewinding reel, the spring belt or drive 80 actuating this rewinding reel also in a steady movement, permitting slippage thereof if the tension becomes too great. Simultaneously with rotation of the eccentric 51, the beveled pinion 7 6 will rotate the pinion and shuter 74, in synchronism with the feeding of the film, as above explained. As the film is being taken from the reel 7, the amount of footage remaining on said reel will be constantly in dicated to the operator externally of the machine, thus resulting in apprising the operator in ample time to prepare for refilling the camera.

It will thus be seen that I have devised a simple, efficient and positively acting moving picture camera, and one which I believe to be novel and have therefore claimed broadly in the present application. WVhile I have necessarily described my present invention somewhat in detail, it will be appreciated that I may vary the size, shape and arrangement of parts within reasonably wide limits without departing from the spirit of the invention.

My invention is further described and defined in the form of claims as follows:

1. In a camera, a film holding reel, a film having perforations in its edges, a member having a photographic aperture therein, an eccentric, means to rotate said eccentric, a member connected at its upper end to said eccentric, said member being slidably mounted at its lower end, a lip extending laterally of said member intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof, and prongs on said lip adapted to engage said perforations and move said film past said aperture in a step-by-step movement.

2. In a camera, a film holding reel, a film having perforations in its edges, a member having a photographic aperture therein, an eccentric, means to rotate said eccentric, a member connected at its upper end to said eccentric, said member being slidably mounted at its lower end, a lip extending laterally of said member intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof, prongs on said lip adapted to engage said perforations and move said film past said aperture in a step-by-step movement, and a shutter, operated by said eccentric rotating means in synchronism with said prongs to cover said aperture at predetermined intervals.

3. In a camera, a film holding reel, a film having perforations in its edges, a member having a photographic aperture therein, an eccentric, a shaft on which said eccentric is mounted, means to rotate said shaft, a member connected at one end to said eccentric, said member being: slidably mounted at its other end, prongs extending laterally of said member intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof adapted to engage said perforations and move said film past said aperture in a step-by step movement, a shutter, a pinion on said shutter, and a pinion on said shaft meshing with the pinion on said shutter, whereby said shutter will be operated in synchronism with said prongs to coverv said aperture at predetermined intervals.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

ROYAL A. CLAPP. 

